Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joint of the shoulder. The symptoms of the condition set on gradually, and then worsen over time. It is treatable and curable by regular sessions with a physical therapist. If you are concerned that you may suffer from frozen shoulder, keep reading to learn about the causes, risk factors, and treatment options available to you.

Causes

Your shoulder is made up of bones, ligaments, and tendons that all work together to allow the shoulder joint to have a full range of motion. These parts of the shoulder are protected by connective tissue. When this connective tissue thickens and tightens, the movement of the shoulder joint is constricted. This condition is known as frozen shoulder. There is no one single cause that results in the thickening and tightening of this connective tissue, but there are some risk factors that make the condition more likely to occur.

Risk Factors

Frozen shoulder occurs most often in women over the age of 40. It is also more common among people who have recently experienced a prolonged period of reduced mobility or immobility in the shoulder due to a rotator cuff tear , broken arm, surgery, or a stroke. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, tuberculosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiac disease, also increase your risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Treatment Options

The primary treatment options for frozen shoulder include pain management and physical therapy. A physical therapist may utilize massage therapy as part of your treatment plan. Chiropractors can also provide professional physical therapy treatment, such as acupuncture and holistic pain management treatments. Over the counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.

If you’re looking for a physical therapist near New York, NY , for diagnosis or treatment of frozen shoulder, visit us at Manhattan Total Health. We provide comprehensive chiropractic care and physical therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. For more information, or to set up an appointment, call us today at (917) 780-4846.

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, occurs when the shoulder capsule becomes thicker than usual and adhesions develop. It involves pain, stiffness, and loss of motion in the joint. Fortunately, with physical therapy, the majority of patients can restore shoulder motion. Generally, physical therapy for a frozen shoulder involves using heat therapy followed by a series of stretches and range of motion exercises.

Passive stretching can help, such as external rotation. The physical therapist will instruct the patient to stand in a doorway with the affected arm extended as if to shake someone’s hand. Only the forearm should be parallel to the floor. Keeping the hand in contact with the doorframe, the body should then be rotated to face away from the door. This position should be held for 30 seconds, followed by relaxation and repetitions. Another helpful stretch is the crossover arm stretch, which involves using the non-affected hand to gently pull the affected arm across the chest.

Are you looking for a physical therapist near New York, NY to treat adhesive capsulitis ? Call (212) 832-9127 and schedule an appointment at one of the three convenient locations of Manhattan Total Health.

Adhesive capsulitis is more commonly referred to as frozen shoulder. As the name implies, it involves pain and stiffness in the shoulder, along with loss of range of motion. Although frozen shoulder can be quite debilitating and can limit your capacity for everyday activities, there are treatment options available to help you recover. Patients with frozen shoulder can visit a physical therapist to discuss their treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms

Physical therapists recognize three stages of frozen shoulder, each of which may persist for several months. During the freezing stage, you’ll begin to suffer from loss of range of motion and you’ll experience pain with movement. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the pain can actually decrease during the frozen stage. However, you’ll have a worsening loss of function with the shoulder as it becomes stiffer. During the thawing stage, you’ll experience gradual improvement of the range of motion.

Causes and Risk Factors

The underlying cause of frozen shoulder is the thickening and tightening of the capsule around the shoulder joint. This capsule is comprised of connective tissue. When it thickens and tightens, the movement of the shoulder joint is compromised. One of the most significant risk factors of frozen shoulder is prolonged immobility, such as because of a stroke, broken arm, or rotator cuff injury. Additionally, those with diabetes, tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid disorders may be more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder.

Treatment Options

To prevent further loss of range of motion, it’s important for patients to move the shoulder joint as much as possible. They can accomplish this with the help of a physical therapist, who can demonstrate range of motion exercises. Some patients may also benefit from anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections.

Patients who have been diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis in New York, NY will find compassionate care at Manhattan Total Health . Call (917) 780-4846 to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist at one of our convenient locations around the city. Or, visit our website to view our complete list of sports medicine services, including massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that develops gradually. The symptoms worsen over a period of months until it becomes very difficult to move the shoulder joint. Fortunately, with physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments, patients can often restore their mobility.

Symptoms

The symptoms of frozen shoulder are divided into three stages, each of which may last for months. During the “freezing” stage, patients notice that pain in the shoulder joint area has been steadily growing worse. The pain is typically more noticeable when the shoulder joint is manipulated. Range of motion in the joint becomes restricted. During the “frozen’ stage of adhesive capsulitis, it’s not uncommon to experience pain relief. However, the shoulder still remains quite stiff and range of motion continues to be restricted . During this stage, patients will find that it more difficult to complete their usual activities. With the help of a physical therapist, patients can progress through the “thawing” stage, which is characterized by the gradual improvement of symptoms. It may take six months to two years to completely restore range of motion and strength.

Causes

The shoulder capsule is made up of tough connective tissue that surrounds the bones and soft tissues in the shoulder joint. Patients with frozen shoulder have a tightened, thickened shoulder capsule and adhesions, or muscle knots, develop. Although it is known that the tightened shoulder capsule leads to the symptoms of frozen shoulder, it isn’t yet clear why this may occur in some patients. However, individuals who have recently had to immobilize the joint for long periods of time, such as after a surgery, are at an increased risk.

Along with medications, physical therapy is a cornerstone of frozen shoulder treatment. Physical therapists can guide patients through stretching exercises designed to improve range of motion.

Are you suffering from adhesive capsulitis in New York, NY? You can find the help you need to return to your normal activities without pain at Manhattan Total Health . Call (917) 780-4846 to ask about our effective, non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic adjustment.